Used Chevrolet Bolt Quick Facts
- For the best years to buy a used Chevy Bolt, we’d go for a newer 2022 or 2023 model.
- The Bolt is Chevy’s first attempt at a mass-produced electric car. Low used prices mean the Bolt may qualify for a used EV tax credit.
- The Bolt can travel between 240 and 260 miles on a charge, depending on the year.
Chevrolet hit the nail on the head with the Bolt, which makes one wonder why it only let the electric vehicle (EV) run for one generation. In production from 2017 until 2023, the Chevy Bolt offers decent range, quick acceleration, and a very reasonable price, especially if it qualifies for a used EV tax credit. The 5-door Bolt is surprisingly roomy inside, with lots of front and rear headroom and legroom. The Bolt can be charged at home and at public DC fast charging stations. It can even use a Tesla Supercharger but will require an adapter to plug in. Chevrolet also produced an SUV version called the Bolt EUV, but only for the last two years of production. Other than a few recalls regarding the possibility of a fire due to a defective battery pack and incorrectly installed software, the Bolt has a pretty good record for safety, reliability, and efficiency.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Chevrolet Bolt?
- Chevrolet Bolt by Model Year: What Do You Get?
- Is the Chevrolet Bolt a Good Car?
- Does the Chevrolet Bolt Qualify for a Used EV Tax Credit?
- Can the Chevrolet Bolt use a Tesla Supercharger?
- How Long Does the Chevrolet Bolt Battery Last?
- What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Chevrolet Bolt?
- Should You Buy a Used Chevrolet Bolt?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Chevrolet Bolt?
The best years to buy a used Chevy Bolt are the 2022-2023 models. Because the Bolt only ran for one generation, there isn’t much daylight between the model years. We’d go for the newer-model Bolts because they offered more features and the Bolt EUV option. The older Bolt EVs also look attractive as their prices will be lower. For qualifying consumers, any Bolt under $25,000 can obtain a used EV tax credit.
See used Chevy Bolt EVs for sale near you.
Chevrolet Bolt by Model Year: What Do You Get?
First Generation: 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt
Fun and efficient, a used Chevrolet Bolt won’t cost as much as a used Tesla Model 3 or Kia EV6, making it an ideal choice. It has a range of around 240 miles (After 2020, its range increased to 260 miles), comes loaded with high-tech features, and offers comfortable seating for four adults or two adults and a lot of gear. The Bolt features a 60-kWh battery that takes about nine hours to charge at home using a Level 2 (240-volt) charger. Pull up to a DC fast charging station, and you’ll get close to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes. And yes, with the proper NACS adapter, you can even charge your Bolt using a Tesla Supercharger.
For most of its run, the Bolt offers one body style and two trims: LT and Premier. Standard on the LT are heated side mirrors, keyless entry and start HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Also included are automatic climate control, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, SiriusXM satellite radio, and two USB-A ports. Optional on the LT and standard on the Premier are helpful safety systems such as a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Premier brings leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and front seats (optional on the LT), and a rear camera mirror. Optional upgrades include Bose audio, built-in navigation, a wireless charging pad, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Model Year Changes
2023: The final year for the Bolt sees a lower base price and some new paint colors.
2022: The Bolt gets new styling, more features, and a compact SUV-styled stablemate called the Bolt EUV with 247 miles of range.
2021: The DC-fast charging option becomes standard on the Premier trim.
2020: A larger 66-kWh battery extends the Bolt’s range to 259 miles. It also gains an HD rear-vision camera.
2019: The LT now offers the same optional driver-assist systems as the Premier.
2018: The Premier trim gains a heated steering wheel.
See 2017-2023 Chevy Bolt EVs for sale near you.
Is the Chevrolet Bolt a Good Car?
The Chevy Bolt seems to be a pretty trouble-free car. Yes, there were issues related to battery packs that could catch fire, but a recall replaced the defective units, and GM warranted the replacements with a 100,000-mile warranty. However, not all Bolt batteries were replaced. After 2021, GM installed a software upgrade to detect if a battery pack is bad and needs replacement.
Outside of the battery issues, owners report high satisfaction with the Bolt, giving it good marks for build quality, performance, electronics, and comfort.
Does the Chevrolet Bolt Qualify for a Used EV Tax Credit?
The IRS offers a tax credit when buying a used EV, but it must meet a few strict conditions, including having been built in the United States, being more than two years old, and being sold by a dealer at a cost of less than $25,000. Check the IRS website to see if the Bolt you’re looking at qualifies.
Can the Chevrolet Bolt use a Tesla Supercharger?
The Chevy Bolt can use a Tesla Supercharger but requires a NACS adapter to hook up.
How Long Does the Bolt’s Battery Last?
GM has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery, which includes battery packs covered under the recall. In general, the Bolt’s battery pack is designed to last about 10 years, but it will probably exceed that time, although it will begin to suffer degradation, meaning it will hold less of a charge and have diminished range.
MORE: How to Check Battery Health When Buying a Used EV
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Chevrolet Bolt?
The 2022-2023 models are the most reliable years after the battery issues were resolved. Owners report high satisfaction with the Bolt. They have newer features, better styling, and will likely have lower mileage. However, if you go with an older Bolt, you’ll probably find the reliability to be the same.
Should You Buy a Used Chevrolet Bolt?
A used Bolt is a good choice if you’re only looking for an inexpensive way to get into an EV or plan to keep it for only a few years. Battery replacement could be an issue in the long term as it’s unclear if GM will continue to produce replacement batteries for the older models. GM has said it plans to unveil a new Chevy Bolt in 2025, though nothing has been announced.
See used Chevy Bolts for sale near you.
